Future suggestions/predictions thread

[TrainFan97]

If HO Scale gets anymore Class 08 repaints, the most likely candidate is Fernando, and he will most likely be the next engine repaint for the HO Scale range, now that Sidney is coming. The CGI mandate would need to be lifted in order to get Splatter and Dodge. We may not see painted samples of Sidney or Mainland Diesel until early 2025. If Hiro gets announced following Rebecca's success, one potential recolor would be his patchwork livery. Rebecca has to sell well for not just Hiro, but any other newly-tooled tender engines to be possible for HO Scale, like Merlin or Flying Scotsman.

So many good choices for the next newly-tooled HO Scale engine... Nia, Whiff, Hiro, Harvey, and Diesel 10. Which one should it be? It may be several years before Norman even gets considered, but he would complete the trio with Paxton and Sidney.

The Mainland Diesels are getting their first official piece of merchandise. Another thing about Fernando is that if he gets made, that would also be his first official piece of merchandise. Sidney and Mainland Diesel are the first Class 08 repaints in the HO Scale range since Paxton; several years ago. Grumpy Diesel doesn't count as a repaint as the only real change was the face, and not the paint scheme. We'll see if Fernando does get announced in the near future, but for now, the biggest hope for the HO Scale range seems to be Hiro, or one of those other mentioned new toolings. The biggest hope for N Scale is Edward.

[Stephen62]

I honestly think that any of the following would be great additions to the Thomas line. Especially if Mattel would just lift the CGI only rule as and expand the options for characters instead of multiple repaints.

Engines:
Flying Scotsman
Murdoch
Shane
Nia
Ashima
Stepney
Derek
Boco

Rolling stock:
Flying Scotsman water tender (if sold separately, this would definitely sell even within non Thomas modelers)
Troublesome truck #7 (standard gauge slate wagon as seen in Thomas train to the mainline in journey beyond sodor)
Rickety
Fred pelhay
Silver tanker
Old coaches
Troublesome truck #8 (teal salt wagon also seen in Thomas' train in JBS)
Bradford
S.c.Ruffey (rebuilt version)

Narrow gauge engines:
Duke
Smudger
Freddie
Mighty Mac

Narrow gauge rolling stock:
Green open coaches
Brown brake van
Flatcar